N6-benzyladenine induced flowering of potted nobile-type Dendrobium red emperor 'Prince' orchid plants.

Hybrids of nobile-type Dendrobium orchids, mostly derived from the species Dendrobium nobile Lindl. normally flower in the late winter and early spring following a period of cool temperatures. Flowering size plants are grown commercially in full sunlight to increase photosynthesis, using fertilizers with a low percentage of nitrogen, to decrease vegetative growth and increase food storage in the mature pseudobulb. In the study reported here 450, 900 and 4,500 mg/L solutions of N 6 -benzyladenine (BA) induced flowering without cool temperature treatment. Non-treated plants did not flower. Treated plants were in full flower 10 weeks after treatment.